Project could sync lights, alleviate traffic in Dubuque

A new project in Dubuque hopes to synchronize traffic lights at 57 intersections, alleviating traffic concerns across the city.

Chandra Ravada, director of transportation for the East Central Governmental Association, told the Dubuque City Council Monday night that syncing up those lights would go a long way to ease frustration drivers find on the road.

He says data from all of those intersections would be collected 24/7 and fed into a computer model, allowing the system to adapt to any changes in traffic patterns.

For example, he said if there is an accident, the system would see the change in traffic patterns, and adjust to allow traffic to flow more smoothly while emergency crews worked to clean up the site.

The project will also work in tandem with roundabouts being worked on by the city, helping to further alleviate traffic.

The data could also be shared with other small cities and universities, Ravada said.

In all, the project will cost the city a little more than $2 million. About $400,000 has already been given for the project, and the city plans to apply for state and federal grants to help cover the rest of the cost.

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